Proverbs 3:1-12, Introduction to Proverbs (3)

·       Peculiarities:

o   Like Job, not particularly Jewish.  I am not talking about the style of writing.  Proverbs, like the rest of the “poetry” books and passages in the OT, is classic Jewish poetry.  Review the section of that subject in the intro to the Psalms.  What I mean here is that there is nothing of the Mosaic Law or the history of the nation.  Proverbs is clearly generic, applicable to all people in any society.

o   No warning against idolatry.  There are references to God, especially as Creator.  It is a “theological” book.  And there are warnings against the varieties of foolishness. 

o   Many attitudes of God referred to.  Just for our own devotional blessing let me note the following.

§ 1:24: Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded.

§ 3:11-12: … whom the LORD loves He chastens, just as a father the son in whom he delights.

§ 3:19: The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, by understanding He established the heavens.

§ 12:2: A good man obtains favor from the LORD …

§ 15:3: The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

§ 16:4: The LORD has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.

§ 23:10-11: Do not remove the ancient landmark, nor enter the fields of the fatherless; for their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you.

·       Values:

·       Our duty to God (1:7; 3:5-6).  The knowledge of God is the beginning of all wisdom.  This is followed by trust in God, and then comes worship.

·       Our duty to God (1:10; 28:13; 13:20).  In our daily life we are to avoid fleshly lusts and evil companions.

·       Our duty to neighbors (12:25; 16:24; 3:27).  We are bound to such things as sympathy for the afflicted and giving to the poor.  In this is great wisdom.

·       Our duty at home (1:8; 4:1; 23:15; 12:4; 14:1; 31:10-31).  Parents are to teach children; children obey their parents.  The mother is the crown of the husband.

·       Our duty in civil life (16:12; 20:28; 16:15; 19:12; 20:2; 11:26).  The king’s throne is established in mercy, righteousness and truth.  Kings should favor the pious and obedient.  Man owes obedience to rulers.  Business is to be conducted with honesty.